Sao Tome and Principe Facts.

Natural wonders are what you can find in this small country called Sao Tome and Principe. There are a lot of natural adventures that you can do in this place. Bird watching in Obo Park is one of the many tourist attractions. You can also find a local to help you trek their mountains and discover one or two secluded waterfalls along the way. There are also lots of mysterious and breathtaking caves to explore in this country. People who love to go to the beach can enjoy snorkelling, fishing, boat ride and diving in their pristine crystal clear waters. Heaven on earth is what you will feel in this place.

Sao Tome and Principe – Interesting and Important Facts

Sao Tome and Principe, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, is a Portuguese-speaking island nation situated in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Africa. Both the islands are part of an extinct volcanic range.

The island of Sao Tome was named after Saint Thomas by the Portuguese explorers who happened to arrive at the island at the saint’s feast day. This island of Sao Tome and Principe was inhabited before the arrival of the Portuguese to the island sometime around 1470.

Sao Tome became one of the first African countries to adopt democratic reforms and changes to its constitution.

Sao Tome and Principe is It is also the smallest country in the world that is not a former British overseas territory, a former U.S trusteeship or one of the European microstates.

Sao Tome and Principe is the second-smallest African country when it comes to population.

Sao Tome and Principe is the smallest of all Portuguese-speaking countries

Sao Tome and Principe has a tropical hot and humid climate with an average yearly temperature of about 27° C. The temperature of this island nation barely rises above 32° C.

The island of Sao Tome, which has the capital of the same name, consists of 90% of the total country’s surface area. It is a picturesque town consisting of colonial Portuguese architectural tradition and many attractive parks.

Coca is the main crop of the island nation and it represents 95% of the country’s export. Other export crops include copra, palm kernels and coffee.

Other than agriculture, the main economic activities are fishing; a small section is engaged in processing local agricultural products and producing a few basic consumer products.

São Tomé is the capital and largest city. Nearly 70.3% are Catholics while 3.4% are Evangelical. New Apostolic make up 2% and the Adventists are 1.8%.

Its strategic location in the center of the Gulf of Guinea has been an important factor in the island’s history and culture. The island has served as a trading post and its strategic location was noticed by both sides during the Cold War.

Sao Tome and Principe – Cool, Fun and Funny Facts

The two main islands are a part of a mountain range consisting of none active volcanoes.

The people is very friendly and its quite safe to go out in the park at night or even sleep on the beaches.

The jungle is full of fruits and the ocean is full of fish, so the people do not have to worry about running out of food.

The island nation is home to a large number of birds and plants, including the world’s smallest ibis and the world’s largest sunbird and many other giant species of Begonia.

There are no dangerous animals like tigers, lions, deadly snakes or spiders in the jungle. The most dangerous one is probably the mosquito that can give you malaria if you don´t protect yourself.

There are around 6 banks in the country.

São Tomé is covered by dense mountainous jungle where large plantations have now been carved. Principe consists of jagged mountains.

The various activities for tourists include diving, snorkeling in unchartered waters, endless treks in the bio diverse jungles and exploring fishermen’s villages. Plenty of seafood, fresh fruits and chocolate are available here.

Many of the workers who worked in the production of sugar were Jewish individuals that had been expelled from Europe and slaves who were imported from the African mainland.

Sao Tome and Principe – Historical and Cultural Facts

The economy of the nation since 1800s has been solely dependent on agricultural production. But, the domestic food crop production is not sufficient for the local population; therefore, the country imports some of its food.

The country gained independence on the 12th of July 1975 from Portugal.

São Tomé e Príncipe was uninhabited when it was sighted by Portuguese explorers, in 1471. A succession of estate and plantation systems brought Africans from the mainland, and their descendants shaped creole culture.

In 1991 São Tomé and Principe held its first multi-party election and have held regularly and fair elections ever since.

A second royal decree of 1515 granted free status to all African slave women given to the settlers and their offspring, and a decree in 1517 extended free status to the male African slaves of the early Jewish and convict settlers.

The old African creole families that figured prominently in the history of the islands in seventeenth to nineteenth centuries still control politics and resources.

The cuisine is based on tropical root crops, plantains, and bananas, with fish as the most common source of protein. The vegetables that are eaten consist of gathered indigenous greens that are cooked in red palm oil.

At weddings, baptisms, and funerals, people prepare a lavish table set in the Portuguese manner with a large array of dishes that are admired by the guests. Bottled beverages grace the table setting. These occasions are marked by roasted goat, chicken, or beef among the affluent.

Agriculture and small service industries are the major sectors of the economy. Fisheries are potentially important. Fishing remains an important activity in coastal communities.

Three types of conjugal union are common: the Christian monogamous marriage, the coresidential customary union, and the visiting relationship.In all forms of conjugal unions, the father and husband are expected to contribute to the expenses of the wife and child.